Run safe. Be seen. Get home.
Be bright by day, reflective by night and always carry ID. Simple habits make runners easier to see and easier to help.
Why running safety matters to us
Noah was living his dream as a Division I runner on the Stony Brook University cross country and track teams. On December 4, 2018, he was struck by a vehicle during a training run. Because he was alone and not carrying ID, he arrived at the ER unidentified. Our family was five hours away, and it was more than nine hours before we were notified. On December 6, at exactly 18½ years old, Noah was legally declared brain dead. A piece of ID wouldn’t have saved his life, but it would have given us precious hours by his side.
We raise awareness in Noah’s memory in the hope we can spare other families the pain and devastation of our loss.
✻ Before you head out
Seven habits for every run
DAY
Be bright by day
Neon yellow, orange and lime stand out in daylight. Dark clothes blend into the road and shadows.
NIGHT
Be reflective by night
Reflective strips on your shoes, wrists and ankles catch headlights. Add a headlamp, clip-on light or LED running vest. The more points of reflection and light on your body, the easier you are to see.
ROAD
Run facing traffic
Use the sidewalk when there is one. Where there isn’t, stay on the left side of the road, facing oncoming cars. That’s New York law.
ROUTE
Choose a safer route
Drivers may not see you in time on blind corners and hills, so cross to where you can see and be seen. When possible, choose routes that avoid busy roads.
CROSSING
Follow every signal
Use crosswalks and obey every traffic light, walk signal and stop sign, even mid-run. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact before you step out.
SOUND
Keep your ears open
Ideally, run without anything in your ears so you can hear what’s coming. If you want music, bone conduction headphones or a wearable Bluetooth speaker keep your ears open to what’s around you.
CHECK-IN
Don’t run invisible
Bring your phone and share your location with someone. If you’re running alone, tell someone your route and when you’ll be back.
✻ Runner Safety & Wearable ID
Wear your ID
If something happens on a run, would anyone know who you are or who to call? A wristband or shoe tag with your name, an emergency contact and important medical information can save precious time.
Through our Runner Safety & Wearable ID program we’ve given out more than 1,000 free IDs to young runners. But an ID only helps if it’s on you. Today we’re focused on fully funding IDs for Binghamton City School District (BCSD) athletes and working with BCSD cross country to find the best ways to get kids to wear them.
1,000+
Wearable IDs distributed through our Runner Safety & Wearable ID program
3 in 4
Pedestrian deaths in the U.S. that happen after dark
1 in 5
Pedestrian deaths that involve a distracted driver
National statistics (2024 data): Governors Highway Safety Association.
Hi-vis running shirts coming soon
Bright, lightweight and made to be seen. Every purchase will support our programs for Binghamton kids.
Common questions
Use the sidewalk when there is one. Where there isn’t, New York law says to stay on the left side of the road or shoulder, facing traffic, and move as far left as you can when a car approaches.
Use crosswalks and obey every traffic light, walk signal and stop sign, even mid-run. Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact before you step out.
When possible, choose routes that avoid busy roads. Drivers may not see you in time on blind corners and hills, so cross to where you can see and be seen. If you’re running alone, tell someone your route and when you’ll be back.
Bright colors help in daylight but fade at night. After dark, reflective material is what catches headlights. Light-colored clothes, reflective bands on moving parts like wrists and ankles, a headlamp or blinking light and an LED running vest all help. The more points of reflection and light on your body, the easier you are to see.
A wristband, shoe tag or similar ID with your name, an emergency contact and any important medical information. If something happens on a run, it helps responders know who you are and who to call.
Put the phone down, slow down at dawn and dusk, watch for people in crosswalks and expect to see runners and walkers, especially on country roads where crashes are more likely to be fatal.
National Running Safety Month is a November campaign started by independent running stores to promote safe running. Each year, when the clocks fall back and more runs happen in the dark, we share safety tips and give away safety gear on our Facebook page. Follow along so you don’t miss it.
Help every runner get home
Your gift helps put wearable IDs on BCSD athletes.
#RUNBRIGHT #RUNFORNOAH